Teaching Assistant

Zest Education; Shard End; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Zest Education in Castle Bromwich is seeking a passionate Teaching Assistant to support children aged 5 to 16 with SEMH and related needs within a specialist educational setting. You will help create a safe, structured learning environment and work closely with teachers to support learning and wellbeing.

This role offers an immediate start, training opportunities, and a chance to make a meaningful difference by adapting resources, building relationships with pupils and families, and

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with SEND, SEMH, autism, or behavioural challenges.
• Patient, empathetic and resilient approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Team-oriented and eager to learn.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH needs, autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties.
• Help implement individual education, behaviour, and pastoral plans.
• Adapt learning activities to meet varied strengths and needs.
• Build positive relationships to encourage engagement and emotional wellbeing.
• Support development of self-regulation, resilience, and coping strategies.
• Encourage participation, confidence, independence, and social development.
• Collaborate with teachers, families, and external professionals.

Skills

SEMH support

Autism support

ADHD awareness

Communication skills

Team player

Emotional regulation

Job description

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a supportive Teaching Assistant to start immediately. This Teaching Assistant position will involve working with children and young people aged 5 to 16 who have Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs as their primary area of need, alongside conditions such as Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and speech and language difficulties.

The successful Teaching Assistant will help create a safe, structured, and nurturing learning environment where pupils can build confidence, regulate emotions, and achieve their full potential.

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Support pupils with SEMH needs, autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties.
• Help implement individual education, behaviour, and pastoral support plans.
• Adapt resources and learning activities to meet a range of strengths and needs.
• Build positive, trusting relationships that encourage engagement and emotional wellbeing.
• Support pupils to develop self-regulation, resilience, and positive coping strategies.
• Encourage participation, confidence, independence, and social development.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, families, and external professionals to achieve the best outcomes for pupils.

This Teaching Assistant role is ideal for someone who is passionate about supporting children and young people who may have experienced difficulties within mainstream education and who require additional emotional and behavioural support to succeed.

What You'll Need

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEND, SEMH needs, autism, ADHD, or behavioural challenges.
• A patient, empathetic, and resilient approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• A team-focused attitude and willingness to learn.
• The ability to remain calm, consistent, and supportive in challenging situations.
• Motivation to succeed as a Teaching Assistant and make a lasting difference to pupils' lives.

Why Apply?

• Immediate start available.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day.
• Supportive and welcoming staff team.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• A rewarding Teaching Assistant role within a specialist educational setting.

If you are an enthusiastic Teaching Assistant looking for your next opportunity in Castle Bromwich, we'd love to hear from you.